Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 48 - Woven Dreams, Shattered Realities

***Content Warning: This chapter contains a slight depiction of non-consensual rape. Please be advised.***

Jing Shi eagerly anticipated the week ahead, filled with preparations for her impending wedding to Lan Xichen. Both Gusu Sylvatica and the Gusu Lan Sect bustled with activity, everyone working diligently to set the stage for the grand celebration. Invitations had been meticulously written and sent out, extending to all three other clan leaders and even Prince Kai Ze.

The air hummed with excitement as people dashed back and forth between locations, organizing decorations and finalizing menus for the impending ceremony. Jing Shi emerged from her quarters, greeted by the sight of her mother, Yu Yan, orchestrating tasks with precision. The town was abuzz with an infectious energy, all in anticipation of her big day. Passersby paused to offer their congratulations, and Jing Shi, radiating joy, reciprocated with warm smiles.

Despite burning the midnight oil to compile a list of names for her future first child, Jing Shi embarked on her day with a renewed spirit. Satisfied with her list, she set her sights on visiting the Gusu Lan Sect, eager to see Lan Xichen and share the excitement of the upcoming festivities.

Upon reaching the Gusu Lan Sect, a sense of déjà vu washed over Jing Shi. The atmosphere mirrored the organized chaos of Gusu Sylvatica, with disciples bustling about under the direction of Lan Qiren, diligently preparing for the impending wedding week of Jing Shi and Lan Xichen. Jing Shi couldn't help but smile at the lively scene, drawing the attention of an enthusiastic disciple.

"Look, it's the future Madame Lan!" the disciple exclaimed, prompting a stern response from Lan Qiren.

"No loud noises!" he instructed, a bead of sweat forming on the disciple's forehead as he blushed and bowed to Jing Shi. She chuckled and whispered her gratitude, "Thank you. Your excitement truly brings joy to my heart."

The disciple beamed, bowing once more before taking his leave. Lan Qiren, with an amiable expression, approached Jing Shi. "How is our future Madam Lan this morning?"

Jing Shi blushed slightly, taken aback by the casual address from Lan Qiren. His cheerful demeanor left her momentarily speechless. Gathering herself, she returned his smile warmly, "Greetings, Lan Xiansheng! I'm doing well. I simply wanted to drop by to greet everyone here."

Lan Qiren wore a knowing smile. "Oh? Not here to see my nephew? He'll be disappointed to find out his future wife cares more for everyone else in the sect than him."

Jing Shi blushed deeper. "No, no! Of course, I'm here to see him too." She clutched a roll of paper—a list of names for her future child.

Lan Qiren chuckled. "I'm only teasing you. I know why you're here." He glanced at the roll of paper in her hand. "What's that you're holding?"

With excitement, Jing Shi explained, "Ah, it's a list of names I want to discuss with Ze Wu Jun for our baby."

Lan Qiren observed Jing Shi's joyful demeanor with satisfaction. It was evident that she was deeply in love with Lan Xichen, who, in turn, couldn't contain his excitement or stop discussing their future together. Lan Qiren knew well that these emotional changes were attributed to the Crimson Bloom Incense continually burning in both Lan Xichen and Jing Shi's chambers. The results were undeniably effective.

Lan Qiren and Yu Yan had tactfully avoided any mention of Qing Yi. There were instances when Lan Xichen inadvertently uttered Qing Yi's name while addressing Jing Shi, leading to a sudden headache. Promptly, Lan Qiren, Jing Shi, and Yu Yan skillfully redirected the conversation to prevent Lan Xichen's discomfort. It appeared that any reference to Qing Yi triggered severe headaches in Lan Xichen. Lan Qiren pondered why this side effect affected Lan Xichen and not Jing Shi. He considered whether the mind endurance training both Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji had undergone since their youth contributed to these headaches. Despite the influence of the Crimson Bloom Incense, Qing Yi still occupied a permanent space deep within Lan Xichen's thoughts. Lan Qiren let out a melancholic sigh, expressing his amazement at the fact that the Lan men held genuine affection for only one person, despite undergoing various manipulative methods.